Now is a good time to start revising your Personal Protective Equipment Risk Assessments to ensure that from 6th April 2022 you are complying with the new regulations that come into force.
These new regulations extend employers’ and employees duties regarding personal protective equipment to limb (b) workers.
What this means for employers
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 places a duty on every employer in Great Britain to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to ‘employees’ who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work.
The new Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2022 extends this duty to limb (b) workers and comes into force on 6 April 2022. Employers need to carefully consider whether the change to UK law apply to them and their workforce and make the necessary preparations to comply.
What this means for limb (b) workers
If a risk assessment indicates that a limb (b) worker requires PPE to carry out their work activities, the employer must carry out a PPE suitability assessment and provide the PPE free of charge as they do for employees.
The employer will be responsible for the maintenance, storage and replacement of any PPE they provide. As a worker, you will be required to use the PPE properly following training and instruction from your employer. If the PPE you provide is lost or becomes defective, you should report that to your employer.
More information can be found here
Should you need assistance and access to a competent person to fulfil your legal obligations then contact Essential 6 on 0845 272 3558 or info@essential6.co.uk and we’ll be happy to advise and assist.
